Step Afrika! Celebrates 21st Anniversary With Gala (Photos)

Coming off of a successful year of touring, stepping and speaking at the White House, and another year of partnership with D.C. Public Schools (DCPS), Step Afrika!, a percussive dance group based in Washington, D.C., celebrated its 21st anniversary June 9 in D.C.’s NoMa District, Dock 5 at Union Market.

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston/Editor-in-Chief/The Hilltop)

Titled “After Dark VIP Gala,” the event featured a short performance, a program and a who’s who of prominent Washington officials. The event also showcased Step Afrika!’s impact in the District and across the world.

The Gala also featured a special presentation by the #CroGirlz, 10 inspiring, young students from DCPS who recently embarked on a life-changing European journey with Step Afrika!.

C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika!’s founder and executive director, is an alumnus of Howard University and has been a D.C. resident for over 25 years. Williams first learned to step as a member of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Chapter in 1989.